Happy 200th Post!

I made it to 200 posts. Crazy that there is so much to blog about. I realize that most of it is meaningless but I really enjoy it. So stay tuned for more meaningless bits from Beckie's life.

I wanted to say thank you for all your kind praise on this post. It totally made my day!

And now I will leave you with some artistic thoughts. My favorite kind of art is all about looking at things in a new way, finding beauty in simple things or in the unexpected. Steve and I recently went to an art exhibit at the BYU MOA, the work of Dan Steinhilber. He takes the everyday items we see and use and transforms them into studies of movement, light and form.
Like this piece made entirely out of fish sauce packets
Or this sculpture made out of hangers.This kind of art really appeals to me, I know not everyone thinks its "art", but I love it. I love it because it makes me think. Maybe people are scared of thinking sometimes. I have been wanting to take on some type of artistic study for awhile now. Something that I could always have in the back of my mind, something to stretch my artistic abilities. So I'll keep you posted on what I come up with.

Lemon Yogurt Cake

Sorry everyone, I realize I was complaining a bit in my last post and I know everyone is entitled to some retrospective complaining on their blog but I hate being that girl.

So some excellent news-unless you're on weight watchers-I have found the best lemon cake recipe. I love reading cookbooks, I can curl up on the couch and read one from cover to cover. The bad thing though is that then I am inspired to make what I find and lets be honest, I am always drawn to the desserts. The baker in me, gave a leap of anticipation when I stumbled across this recipe from the beloved Barefoot Contessa. Go try it but trust me, you'll end up standing, hovering over the cake plate fork in hand with your husband-i.e. Steve and I yesterday for breakfast!
Lemon Yogurt Cake

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt (I used fat free vanilla and lemon yogurt)
  
• 1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
• 3 extra-large eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (I reduced this to 1/3 up)
  
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the glaze:

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8 1/2 by 4 1/4 by 2 1/2-inch loaf pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Grease and flour the pan.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into 1 bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, 1 cup sugar, the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, fold the vegetable oil into the batter, making sure it's all incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a cake tester placed in the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Meanwhile, cook the 1/3 cup lemon juice and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a small pan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Set aside.

When the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully place on a baking rack over a sheet pan. While the cake is still warm, pour the lemon-sugar mixture over the cake and allow it to soak in. Cool. (Because I let the top of my cake get a nice crust on it, I flipped the cake over and then drizzled the sauce over the bottom)

For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice and pour over the cake.

Camera In Hand

Sometimes I feel cheated that I don't live somewhere more glamorous. I only feel that way when I am craving a good museum, ride on the subway or when I'm wearing a particularly good outfit that no one even seems to notice.
Then I tell myself to get over it and just enjoy these final 16 months we have in Utah. That's it, that's how long I have here until Steve whisks me off to PhD land. 16 months is nothing especially considering I finally found a chinese restaurant that I love here. (Rice King on Center Street in Provo (I don't know why having a go-to chinese restaurant makes a place finally feel like home maybe I'm just thinking of Snohomish's awesome Peking Duck.))

So what brought about all this introspective blabbing? you might ask. Well I found this photographer, Leo Patrone through Melinda's blog and I was immediately inspired by his living in Utah and not feeling cheated by it. His images are definitely gritty and nostalgic. And not only does he do fabulous personal work but he does weddings too. And good weddings, seriously if you are getting married, you should hire him. Right now. Oh and he shoots in film which is so admirable in this digital age. And he has a show going on right now at the Sego Art gallery on University Ave.

So needless to say I am inspired to get out and enjoy Utah and take my camera with me.

All photos courtesy of Leo Patrone from all over the world and Utah

Motown Grooving

Overall I thought American Idol was only okay this week.

First, I hate when singers sound like they are out of breath, ie. Michael Sarver and Lil Rounds. Its painful to watch, like going to a Bette Midler concert, yeah you used to be great but now you are out of shape and shouldn't try to dance around and sing at the same time. Michael Sarver was ridiculous, he HAS to go. Come on America, he is so sub-par.

Second, I was very disappointed in Megan Joy this week, she totally lost her groovy jazzy voice, it was awful but I don't want her to go yet, I think she can come back and redeem herself.

Third, I have a problem with loungy-cruise ship performances and I felt like both Chris and Danny delivered on that front. And even though I don't think Danny's would have been as bad if he wasn't placed after Adam, I just didn't love it.

The only people I thoroughly enjoyed were Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert. Allison, amazing! I feel like she is undervalued in this competition, she is so powerful vocally and knows herself as an artist. Adam, okay he still kind of creeps me out (slick hair and silk suit?) but artistically and vocally he was the best of the night. Totally redeemed himself in my eyes after that awful Ring of Fire fiasco. (which Steve and I were doing renditions of last night and it was pretty funny)

Overall they didn't kill Motown as bad as I thought they were going to.

For anyone who lived south of BYU

Even though we live in Orem, I still feel that connection to south of campus living-without the inflated pricing and ugly furnished apartments-especially when Steve brings home jewels like this:

I have no words except I am proud to say I am a B-Honey.
This also reminds me of this, B-Money's Rap about Provo

Just call me Maria Van Trapp...

When I was in high school I was uber-creative when it came to making clothes. I made skirts and dresses out of everything and anything I could find at thrift stores. Curtains, pillowcases, sheets and even one time this awesome blanket from Air Fiji.

So when I found this shirt which I thought was cute but a little teenager-y, inspiration hit. (it didn't help that I couldn't even fit my chest into the top)
I made it into this skirt.for $3.99 I think it makes a great pencil skirt and no, I didn't plan for my shirt to match the kitchen.

Quotable

Steve: "What is a contessa? and why is she barefoot?"

He always keeps me laughing

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the dueling pianos

American Idol. What joy and what pain you bring into my life.

Okay I'll be brief.

The Good:
-I loved Megan this week. I thought the song choice was perfect for her voice and the vocal was spot on. (This should fall in the bad, Megan, please stop dancing!)
-Anoop totally redeemed himself. I loved it.
-Danny, I thought the song choice was brilliant and even though the verses were a little "eh" compared to the ending, I think he is my favorite.
-And of course Kris and Allison, solid performances, lots of control.

The Bad:
-Lil (isn't Lil just short for Little) Rounds, Independence Day, I thought it was bad. I just didn't like it. She was so uncomfortable and I thought the beginning was strained.
-Michael Sarver-BAD-I hope Garth Brooks wasn't watching. Totally karaoke style, it was unrecognizable and out of breath.

The Ugly:
-Gokey's ski parka.
-Adam's sitar strewn Ring of Fire. I thought it was completely ridiculous and like Simon said, indulgent. And his little swaying/dancing just left me feeling like I had been violated. I know that America has an obsession with these weird femi-man singers, so I know he'll be around for awhile but I kind of wish he would just go away. Granted, his vocal was very good, its just the total package that is starting to creep me out.
-Everyone who talked back to the judges. Don't defend yourself, just take the advice, apply what you will and zip those lips.

The Dueling Pianos:
-I thought Scott did good this week but I thought Matt did WAY better and when it comes down to it, we only need one piano playing contestant and I am going Matt.

So who's going home? I have no clue, America always throws me for a loop.

Pizza, Dancing and Sprains

This weekend was pretty good. Steve and I went to Pizzeria 712 on Friday night. I have heard lots of good things about the food there and it didn't disappoint. The atmosphere is artsy, rustic yet cosy. We had braised short ribs over polenta and the house made sausage pizza with fennel and fresh mozzarella. It was fun, go eat here if you live in the area. I realize most of you don't though.

Then we went home and watched a weird french film, Jules et Jim. I don't really have anything to say about that.

Saturday was gorgeous, I took a walk to the fabric store-I know, nerd but when the weather turns I just have to be a part of it. I also ran lots of errands, found new jeans at the GAP since I can pretty much pull my old ones off without unbuttoning them and a pretty spring top at Old Navy. I also did some personal sewing. I have not sewn clothes for myself in ages. It felt good, I remembered how much I liked it. So now I have some new skirts and some re purposed DI finds-more on that later.

Saturday night Steve took me to the DanceSport Championship at BYU. I was thrilled that he bought the tickets after I had mentioned going. Such a great husband! He was even kind enough to suffer through sitting on a plastic bleacher for 3 hours. Of course, I was in heaven. Pretty sleeping beauty-esque Viennese waltzes, saucy sambas and all the memories of my basic ballroom dance classes at BYU. The best part was the professional latin finale, even Steve could appreciate the amazing talent.

And a brilliant end to the weekend would be me spraining my ankle while doing step aerobics this morning. So here I sit at work, with my ice-packed left foot elevated on a cooler. Let me just say, I was screaming as I was shifting gears this morning. Clutch Left, Gas Right.

Pizza Dough

I totally forgot about this recipe but it is really good. And since pizza is pretty much one of the best, most versatile foods, I thought I would share the recipe here. I think I got it from my mom (Thanks Mom!) but thats all I know. It is super simple and easy to make but is really yummy and impressive. Also it totally lends itself to an array of creative topping combos. Here we have Gorgonzola, Grape Tomato and Fresh Basil
And grilled chicken, mushrooms and olives. Plus the crust literally costs pennies to make which is just an added bonus.

Pizza Dough
1 pkg yeast
1 cup warm water
2 1/2 cups flour
2 Tbsp oil (vegetable or olive)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
Any additional seasonings (sometimes I add italian seasonings or garlic powder to the crust for added flavor but you don't have to)

1. Preheat oven to 425*
2. Dissolve yeast in warm water, about 4 minutes, in large bowl
3. Add sugar, oil, salt and any additional seasonings. Mix together well.
4. Gradually add flour, when dough is elastic-like remove to floured surface and knead thoroughly for 3-4 minutes until easy to handle. You can also just knead dough right in your bowl if it is big enough.
5. Spread into greased cookie sheet or roll out on floured surface into desired shape. You can roll out and cut out mini pizzas too. If you are using on a pizza stone make sure to spray stone with pam or pizza will stick right to it. Parchment paper works really well on a cookie sheet.
6. Cover in sauce and toppings
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes. For a double batch, deep dish pizza, bake 20-25 minutes.

Bring on Spring

This morning as I was finishing up my workout, I flipped to the news and I heard that spring officially starts next friday. Next friday! I am so happy. I count myself as one of those deluded people who once its spring mentally shifts to floaty skirts and peep-toed wedges even if it is 30 degrees out.

This woman, I found over at thesartorialist is exactly how I am feeling. The pop of cheery yellow and the pretty floral skirt bringing life to a chic winter black.
Spring is spring and I'm dressing for it.

Thoughts

Apparently Thursday is the day for jotting down some thoughts. Apparently I like the word apparently...

-I can appreciate Pepsi's new branding, I like it, its retro but with clean modern lines. I don't appreciate how it is the only soda brand on sale and I have to justify paying $4 for 12 diet cokes.

-I can't stop listening to academy award winning Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire. I'm embarrassed to admit that I like the version with the PussyCat Dolls best, see link on right. What is it with me and the Pussycat Dolls? I think there is something wrong with me. Maybe I should have gotten tickets to the Circus Tour...

-American Idol, what can I say? I like the beginning, hate Hollywood-too much drama, and then am back for the top 12 (13). Is it just me or is the blind guy kind of hard to watch? It's the everywhere eyes that get me. I'm a terrible person but I know you'll are thinking the same thing. And Anoop! you were given a gift, your ridiculous version of Beat It should have seen you packing. I like Megan but I hate her weird dancing and song choice, Rockin' Robin? Is this an elementary school sock hop? I also like Gorkey.

-And another outfit because I really love this one and wish I was wearing it at work right now.

work - by bexcaliber on Polyvore.com

-Two Friday's ago we saw New In Town. I liked it. I also learned that I say the word seriously a lot.
Scene: Rene sitting at a cold kitchen table eating straight out of a big bowl of tapioca pudding.
Me: Seriously?
Julie: You say that a lot
The scene definitely deserved a "seriously," I think tapioca is sick.

-I'm going to temporarily close my etsy shop but first I am having a HUGE everything MUST go sale. I feel kind of like Circuit City except thousands of people aren't going to lose their jobs. Check it out here.

-On Monday we took the youth to the Draper Temple Open House. It was lovely. In one of the ordinance rooms there was a raised platform with a beautiful curtain. One of the young women asked me, "What's the stage for?" I told her its where they put on musicals. I think she knew I was joking. I am starting to really like working with the young women. I am very grateful I was not called into the nursery especially after a recent experience that seriously had me doubting whether I wanted to have kids, EVER.

-I finished Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut last night. I thoroughly enjoyed it but if you don't like crass social commentary mixed up with humor, time-travel, war and aliens, I wouldn't recommend it.
Happy Thursday everyone.

Perfect Sunday Afternoon

Listening to Aretha and John Vanderslice on the record player, scattergories and pineapple angel food cake.

Findings from my spare room

Instyle on the floor: I really enjoyed this month's Instyle interview with Sandra Bullock. She said this that made me smile.

I: How do you stay in shape?
SB: People ask, "How do actresses do it?" Um, they pay us to do this in order to look good on film.

In the inspiration stack:I found this in a program for the Nutcracker that my parents took me to years ago. I think it is gorgeous. There is something about it that inspires me so much.

Happy Anniversary!

Because our anniversary was on a weekday we decided to spread out the celebration all week. On Tuesday-our actual anniversary I made Steve this nice dinner. We had these for an appetizer, roasted tomatoes with Gorgonzola filling:
The pictures of the main dish did not turn out but we had fillet mignon (which I sadly overcooked a little), sauteed spinach with mushrooms and crispy garlic potatoes. And for dessert we had this, chiffon cake with mascarpone frosting and cinnamon:

Then we just spent the evening as usual, Steve actually had a stake meeting to go to. Saturday we headed up to SLC, we stayed at the Little America, did some shopping at the Gateway, perused Randy's Records and Sam Weller's and then went out for dinner and went to the Tavernacle for the dueling piano show. Let me just tell you, it has been a long time since I've been in any type of bar/club and its been a long time since I have heard the F word shouted from a microphone. I'm kind of happy I was so shocked by those things.

The piano playing was excellent and we heard lots of fun songs but we were both happy to leave.

The next day Steve and I walked around downtown and I took a bunch of pictures of all the great things you miss when you drive through an area. We found this little street off of Main (I don't remember the # but it was very cool and kind of hidden)
I always forget how much you can see by just walking around. It gives you a perspective that is often missed these days as we fly by everything in a hurry.
I am so proud of this picture-I didn't edit it at all, thats just how beautiful the sky was.
Steve spotted this cool building from the TRAX, so we went back and I took some pictures of it. For a moment I had that same feeling that I had a lot in NYC, like you are seeing something from another time, yet you are standing and living alongside it.

I love the urban grittiness of the city and SLC is a weird mix of very old and abandoned and very new and thriving. We found this beautiful building, an old gentleman's club (not THAT kind of club) and there was this gorgeous sky.
It was a beautiful day and I am so happy I got to share it with Steve.

Culture Alert

This week a couple of Provo's finest will be shining bright.
First, this friday is the Provo Gallery Stroll that is held the first friday of every month in downtown Provo. You can park in one spot and stroll to every location. Steve and I did this last month and even though it was raining we had a most enjoyable time. All the galleries had refreshments so you don't even need to eat first. And it is FREE. So there is no excuse, get out and support the arts!

Second, a most intriguing movie is playing at the BYU International Cinema this week. Now I always post about these but usually it is too late for you all to be inspired enough to get out and see them. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown by Pedro Almodovar is playing. Its in Spanish, Antonia Banderas is in it, its only 90 minutes and again its FREE. Here is the plot summary and I think it sounds entertaining:
This extravagantly stylish farce from acclaimed director Pedro Almodovar brings us Candela, who’s involved with a terrorist, Pepa who’s just been dumped by Ivan who is about to get on a plane that Candela’s boyfriend plans to hijack and Ivan’s crazed wife who brandishes a loaded gun. Somehow a deranged plot is contrived from random elements including tranquilizer-spiked gazpacho, bad fashion, caged animals, demented telephone answering machines, Shiite terrorists and sheer madness. It’s enough to drive any woman to a nervous breakdown.

So make a goal to get out and get cultured this week.